Multi-Layered Cell Culture Vessel

Abstract

A multi-layered cell culture vessel is provided herein which includes a body enclosing a closed volume. The body includes at least one insert layer located within the closed volume to separate portions thereof, and at least one port allowing communication with the closed volume from exteriorly of the body. At least one grip may be provided which protrudes from the body. Additional features may include the use of a side port which is disposed transversely to a longitudinal axis of the body, including being disposed to intersect a gap located adjacent to each of the insert layers. This arrangement allows for the preparation and removal of cell culture medium without obstruction from the insert layers. Additionally, the end of the body may be formed with tapered portions that channel flow towards an end port thereby allowing for a relatively well-defined stream to be poured from the device as needed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-layered cell culture vessel comprising:
 a body enclosing a closed volume, said body including at least one insert layer located within said closed volume to separate portions thereof, and at least one port allowing communication with said closed volume from exteriorly of said body; and,   at least one grip protruding from said body configured to be grippingly engaged by a user in transporting the multi-layered cell culture vessel.   
     
     
         2 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 1 , wherein said grip is arcuately formed with ends fixed to said body and a space being defined between said grip and body configured to receive a hand of a user. 
     
     
         3 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one port includes a side port protruding from said body in a direction generally parallel to said grip, said grip protruding no further from said body than said side port with a cap mounted thereto. 
     
     
         4 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 1 , wherein said grip is spaced from said at least one port. 
     
     
         5 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 1 , wherein said body including first and second ends spaced apart along a longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         6 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 5 , wherein said at least one port includes a side port, said side port being generally tubular and extending along a secondary longitudinal axis which is disposed transversely to said longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         7 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 6 , wherein said at least one port includes an end port secured to said second end of said body, said end port allowing communication with said closed volume from exteriorly of said body. 
     
     
         8 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 7 , wherein said second end includes a first planar portion disposed transversely to said secondary longitudinal axis of said side port, said side port being secured to said body at said first portion. 
     
     
         9 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 8 , wherein said second end further includes a second planar portion disposed transversely to said secondary longitudinal axis of said side port, said second portion being located along said secondary longitudinal axis further from said side port than said first portion. 
     
     
         10 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 9 , wherein said second end includes a third portion extending between said first and second portions. 
     
     
         11 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 10 , wherein said third portion is generally planar and disposed generally parallel to said secondary longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         12 . A cell culture vessel as in  claim 11 , wherein said end port is secured to said second end at said third portion. 
     
     
         13 . A multi-layered cell culture vessel comprising:
 a body enclosing a closed volume, said body including at least one generally planar insert layer located within said volume to separate portions thereof, and at least one side port allowing communication with said closed volume from exteriorly of said body, wherein, said body defining a generally rectangular footprint as viewed in a first direction with a longitudinal dimension which is greater than a transverse dimension, said side port being generally tubular and extending along a longitudinal axis which is disposed generally parallel to the transverse dimension.   
     
     
         14 . A multi-layered cell culture vessel comprising:
 a body enclosing a closed volume, said body including at least one generally planar insert layer located within said volume to separate portions thereof, said body including first and second ends spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, said insert extending from said first end and being spaced from said second end so as to define a gap therebetween, and said body including at least one side port allowing communication with said closed volume from exteriorly of said body, said side port being generally tubular and extending along a secondary longitudinal axis which is disposed transversely to said longitudinal axis and which is disposed to intersect said gap defined by said insert layer.